RallyNorth.net

Lawrence Boys Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 15-6, lost in Division 1 North first round

Returning starters: None

Returning lettermen: Justin Nieves, 5-7, Jr., guard, Mariano Fortunato, 6-3, Sr., forward; Jeffrey Matos, 6-2, Sr., forward; Ruby Lara, 6-3, Sr., forward; Jorge Escoto, 6-4, Jr., forward; Jason Pimentel, 5-11, Soph., guard; Jose Barrera, 5-10, Soph., guard; Junior Veras, 6-0, Sr., forward Newcomers: Kurt Barnes, 5-7, Jr., guard; Shyem Simms, 6-0, Sr., forward; Demetri Brown, 6-2, Jr., forward; Alex Diaz, 5-7, Frosh., guard; Kadeem Perez, 5-5, Frosh., guard; Jesse Hiraldo, 6-0, Frosh., forward

Candidates in all grades: 170

Captains: Justin Nieves

Returning leaders: Mariano Fortunato, 11.2 ppg; Willie Reynoso, 5.5 ppg; Justin Nieves, 3.8 ppg

Returning honorees: None

Assistants: Mike Whitehead (varsity assistant); Mike Sweeney (JV), Frank Dunlevy (Frosh.)

Opener: Hosts East Boston, Dec. 11

Odds and ends: Burly Jorge Escoto, who scored two points all last year, dominated the Hoops for Hope summer league, scoring 18 points a game. ... Mariano Fortunato is a proven big-game player. ... The Lancers have won two of the last three Greater Lawrence Christmas tourneys. ... Lawrence has won a share of two straight MVC large titles. ... Kurt Barnes is a transfer from Notre Dame High of Lawrence. ... Coach Paul Neal is downplaying his team's chances but local coaches said the Lancers should be near the top of the pack again.

Coach Paul Neal (9th year, 120-55): "We're just really young. Even the guys who are seniors haven't played much. We don't have a go-to guy. Mariano Fortunato just started playing after shattering his kneecap."